Family Law Attorney in Santa Clarita 

The very last thing most couples want to think about while planning a wedding is the financial side of marriage, particularly planning for the possibility that a marriage may end. Most conversations focus on venues, invitations, flowers, guest lists, and outfits. Money usually isn’t part of the excitement, so it gets pushed aside. Financial planning can feel unromantic and complicated, and is often delayed or avoided altogether.

Despite this, financial issues play a significant role in nearly every part of a marriage. Decisions about income, property, debt, and long-term financial responsibility affect daily life and future stability. Addressing these issues before marriage allows couples to establish clarity and reduce uncertainty. For many couples, working through a prenuptial agreement is simply one way to have those conversations early and clearly.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement is a written contract signed by two parties prior to marriage. It sets forth how certain financial matters will be addressed in the event the marriage ends by divorce or death. Prenuptial agreements commonly address the division of property, responsibility for debts, and the issue of spousal support.

Every prenuptial agreement looks different because every couple’s situation is different. That said, the purpose is to define financial rights and obligations in advance rather than leaving those determinations solely to state law. Most prenuptial agreements begin with disclosure of each party’s assets and debts. This usually includes bank accounts, retirement funds, real estate, investments, valuable personal property, and existing debts.

A prenuptial agreement may also address how certain property will be treated during the marriage, not just upon divorce. In some cases, couples include provisions related to practical matters, such as responsibility for pets.

However, a prenuptial agreement cannot determine issues of child custody or child support. Those issues are reserved for the court and must be decided based on the best interests of the child at the time of separation or dissolution.

California’s Default Prenup

Absent a valid prenuptial agreement, California couples already have a default set of rules. California is a community property state, meaning that, in general, assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equally upon divorce.

As a result, the California Family Code effectively establishes default financial outcomes for married couples who do not enter into a prenuptial agreement. These outcomes may not reflect the parties’ individual expectations or financial circumstances. A prenuptial agreement gives couples the ability to adjust those rules instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all system.

Addressing the Stigma Around Prenups

Prenuptial agreements frequently face two misconceptions: that prenups are only for wealthy or high-profile couples, and that signing one means a couple expects the marriage to fail. Neither assumption accurately reflects the purpose or function of prenuptial agreements.

Prenups are not just for celebrities or people with significant wealth. Prenuptial agreements are available to couples across a wide range of financial situations. They may be particularly useful where the parties enter the marriage with unequal assets, own real property, operate a business or professional practice, expect future inheritances, carry significant debt, or have children from prior relationships. A prenuptial agreement allows couples to define what fairness looks like for them, rather than relying entirely on default legal rules. There is no single profile for someone who “needs” a prenup.

The idea that a prenup signals a lack of commitment is also misplaced. In practice, creating a prenuptial agreement requires couples to talk openly about finances. Those conversations can be uncomfortable, but they are often necessary. A prenup does not plan for divorce. Instead, it documents agreements made when both people are communicating clearly and making decisions together.

For many couples, a prenup strengthens communication rather than undermines it. The process of negotiating a prenup often requires detailed discussions. Avoiding financial conversations altogether can create confusion or resentment later on. Addressing these issues early helps couples start their marriage with clearer expectations.

Requirements for Prenuptial Agreements

Creating a prenuptial agreement generally starts with clarifying the financial goals the parties want the agreement to address and identifying areas where they may wish to deviate from California’s default rules. This requires thoughtful discussion about how finances will be handled during the marriage and in the event it ends. Open communication between future spouses is critical, and some couples find it helpful to work with a counselor to support those conversations.

California law imposes specific requirements for prenuptial agreements to be enforceable. Each party must provide full and fair disclosure of their financial circumstances. In addition, each party must be represented by independent legal counsel or execute a written waiver of that right. These requirements are intended to reduce the risk of coercion and ensure that both parties understand the legal consequences of the agreement. Failure to comply with these statutory safeguards can render a prenuptial agreement unenforceable.

Prospective spouses considering a prenuptial agreement should also take sufficient time to review and negotiate its terms. Agreements signed under pressure or without adequate opportunity for review may be subject to later challenge.

Postnuptial Agreements

For couples who are already married and did not execute a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement may be an alternative. A postnup is entered into at any point during the marriage and can address many of the same financial issues as a prenup.

Postnuptial agreements are often used when circumstances change during a marriage, such as the acquisition of significant assets, receipt of an inheritance, or significant changes in income. As with prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements must meet statutory requirements to be enforceable.

Final Thoughts

Marital agreements, whether prenuptial or postnuptial, serve as tools for financial planning and risk management. When properly drafted, they can clarify expectations, reduce future disputes, and provide a framework tailored to the parties’ circumstances rather than relying solely on default statutory rules.

While discussing finances before or during a marriage may be uncomfortable, those discussions are often necessary to ensure informed decision-making. Clear agreements reached in advance can help reduce uncertainty and conflict in the future.

If you are considering a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, the Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman can assist you in navigating the legal requirements and drafting an agreement that reflects your circumstances. Contact our office at (661) 255-1800 or email office@chromanlaw.com to schedule a consultation.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please call our office to schedule a consultation at (661) 255-1800.

California family law doesn’t stay the same for long. Laws are passed every year that change how courts handle divorce, custody, and domestic violence cases. In 2026, three major updates will kick in. They’re meant to make the system more responsive to safety concerns and the real-world challenges families deal with in court.

Together, these changes create two themes: making divorce easier when both sides agree, and making the rules around firearms and domestic violence even tighter.

Joint Divorce Filings

Right now, divorce in California starts with one spouse filing and then serving the other. Even if both people agree it’s over, the law still makes them go through that extra step. It adds time, money, and a lot of formality to something that doesn’t always need it.

Starting January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 1427 (SB 1427) changes that. Couples who both agree can file a joint petition for divorce or legal separation. Filing together means no one has to serve the other and both parties are treated as if they’ve already appeared in the case.

That doesn’t mean the road will always stay smooth. If disagreements pop up later, either spouse can cancel the joint petition and move back into the traditional process. SB 1427 simply gives couples who are on the same page a direct path forward. Less paperwork. Fewer delays. And the option to fall back on the old system if things don’t stay cooperative.

Firearm Exemptions in DVRO Cases

In California, the law requires that anyone subject to a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) usually has to give up their firearms. In the past, however, courts have granted exemptions for work-related reasons, such as for those who are peace officers or security personnel, sometimes allowing continued possession for purposes of employment.

Starting January 1, 2026, Assembly Bill 2759 (AB 2759) makes those exceptions much harder to get. From now on, an exemption can only be granted if the person isn’t already prohibited under state or federal law from owning a gun in the first place.

The law also raises the standard for peace officers. It now applies specifically to sworn peace officers, and courts have to make two findings before granting an exemption:

• The officer’s personal safety depends on carrying a firearm outside of work hours

• The officer doesn’t pose an added threat to the protected party or the public.

For other jobs that require carrying a firearm, exemptions are still possible, but only if reassignment isn’t an option and the court finds no extra risk. And even then, any exemption has to be reviewed when a permanent restraining order is issued and again if it’s renewed.

AB 2759 makes it clear that safety comes first. Employment needs can’t outweigh the risk of putting firearms back into the hands of someone under a DVRO.

Domestic Violence, Custody, and Firearms

Custody disputes involving domestic violence are guided by Family Code § 3044. The law says there’s a presumption against giving custody to a parent with a history of abuse. Judges could already look at whether that parent had violated firearm restrictions under Family Code § 6389 when deciding if the presumption should stand.

Starting January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 899 (SB 899) makes the review even broader. Courts can now also consider firearm violations under Code of Civil Procedure § 527.9 and Penal Code § 18120.

This essentially means that judges will now have a wider lens to evaluate whether a parent who’s committed domestic violence should be trusted with custody, specifically when firearms are involved. SB 899 strengthens California’s stance that child safety in custody matters always comes first. By expanding the scope of firearm violations courts must weigh, the law doubles down on protecting children in custody disputes where domestic violence is already a factor.

Final Thoughts

The family law changes coming in 2026 clearly show that California is trying to make the family law system more efficient and secure. These reforms aren’t necessarily about adding more rules for the sake of it. They remove significant barriers where cooperation exists and add safeguards where danger does. It’s California’s latest step toward a family law system that better matches the realities families face every day.

If you have questions about how these California family law updates may affect your case, the Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman is here to help. Contact our office today at (661)-255-1800 or email office@chromanlaw.com to schedule a consultation.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please call our office to schedule a consultation at (661)-255-1800.

We hope you are enjoying your summer. Hopefully sipping on something cool at the beach or by the pool. It’s nice to get outside and explore while the sun is out. Many people are posting incredible vacation pictures, and others touring air-conditioned museums, getting their fill of movies, or having a nice staycation doing things they didn’t get to while cooped up throughout this past winter. If you are like me, you are holding on to all the summer days and nights you can! Summertime just has a fun energy about it.

As a parent, we also have back-to-school blues in the back of our minds. As registration approaches, bringing with it the endless schedules, the early bedtimes, packing lunches, back-to-school nights, the meal planning, and the carpool lane travesties. Also coming are the lists on lists of school supplies, and “sales” that will soon be on our laps. All the things the kids will need and oftentimes barely use, the backpacks, notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, and crayons. Why we need another calculator, I will never know. As we anticipate these things that draw near, we can still set it aside to enjoy the warm summer nights with our kids, playing games and relishing in the time together.

However, for a select few parents, there is an added level of pressure that looms over them as they foresee custody exchanges and split costs of sports and extracurricular activities that have bills coming due. At minimum, there are a few things that you can do to circumvent issues in a split custody household, such as:

Communicate. Being up-front and honest with the other parent about arrangements that involve the children can stave off issues that may otherwise cause drama no one wants. Choose your words kindly and keep your children’s best interest in mind when communicating with the other parent. Also, letting the school know of your split household and custody arrangements is a good idea so they know how to handle situations– if they arise. This will also let them know to always communicate with both parents. However, giving the school custody schedules does not mean telling them every sordid detail of the situation. Basic information for the safety and well-being of your children is necessary, everything else can become gossip.

Stay calm. Contentious situations can bring out the worst in the best people. Don’t let a momentary situation or comment trigger you into forgetting who you are and who you want to be for your children. Staying calm and revisiting a situation later when the heat cools will help avoid creating a bigger problem than is present. Making decisions with a clear mind will help put things in perspective.

Be Reasonable. It is easy in divided households to remember all the things that caused the divide. When things feel so one-sided and when presented with a situation where you can choose to be difficult, as well, choose to be reasonable instead. Parent how you want the other parent to act and lead by example. This does not discount things that have happened, but it does make the current situation easier for your children and that is the most important thing to remember.

Show Receipts. No, not those kinds of receipts! When you are preparing for the needs of your children, such as back-to-school supplies, if this is a cost you split, keep a record and let the other parent know that you are planning on purchasing the necessary items, when you can do the shopping, and what you estimate the costs could be. This goes for sports and extracurricular activities that come with those hefty price tags. Give the courtesy you would expect with expenses. Don’t assume they can or will be able to pay you the moment you hand them a receipt. Plan ahead and let them know in advance so that they can prepare just as you are preparing. This will help you get a refund of the expenses more quickly and cause less conflict in an already tense circumstance.

If you can do these things but find that the other parent seems adamant about creating conflict rather than avoiding them, call our office and find out ways we can help navigate your unique situation. We can assist with custody and visitation orders or modifications which are crucial for challenging situations. Likewise, support and reimbursements may be needed in many instances with children. We are here to assist and would welcome the opportunity to support you.

For more information and to schedule a consultation, please call the Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman, P.C., at 661-255-1800 or visit us at www.chromanlaw.com. Mr. Chroman is a Trusted Advisor Award Winner and named Top 100 California Attorneys with over 26 years of experience and local service and rated a Super Lawyer for consecutive years. Also, you may purchase Mr. Chroman’s best-selling Divorce Workbook on Amazon.

This article was originally published in Santa Clarita Magazine as part of our firm’s mission to make family law information more accessible to the Santa Clarita community. Read the full feature and others at santaclaritamagazine.com.